Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rosa; Mal País and Santa Teresa, with a groovy scene to match the powerful waves; Playa
Hermosa, whose bigger, faster curls attract a more determined (and experienced) crew of
wave-chasers; Pavones, a legendary long left across the sweet waters of the Golfo Dulce;
and the infamous Salsa Brava in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, for experts only.
How to Make it Happen
Most international airlines accept surfboards (they must be properly packed in a padded
board bag) as one of the two pieces of checked luggage, though this is getting harder and
pricier in the age of higher fuel tariffs. Domestic airlines offer more of a challenge. They
will accept surfboards for an extra charge, but the board must be under 2.1m in length. On
full flights, there's a chance your board won't make it on because of weight restrictions.
An alternative is to buy a new or used board in Costa Rica and then sell it before you
leave. Great places to start your search include Jacó, Mal País and Santa Teresa, and
Tamarindo. It's usually possible to buy a cheap longboard for about $250 to $300, and a
cheap shortboard for about $150 to $200. Many surf shops will buy back your board for
about 50% of the price you paid.
